Amazon is often unveiling new services for customers and their latest one is certainly likely to get people talking.

It's called Amazon Key and is designed for when you're not home to receive your parcel, allowing couriers to open your front door and leave the package inside.

It's more sophisticated than just leaving a key under the mat - in order for it to work, customers must have a smart lock (provided by Yale or Kwikset) and a Cloud Cam security camera - both of which Amazon provide in the Amazon Key Home Kit - which costs $249 (£188), the Mirror reports .

The way it works is by letting the courier scan a package barcode that will then be authorised by the user. Once it's been verified, the door opens and the camera starts recording.

Although it's meant for deliveries from Amazon, it could also be used to give access to dog walkers, visiting family members or cleaners. No more need to hide the spare key under the flowerpot or beneath the welcome mat.

(Image: amazon/Youtube)

"This is yet another device that will strengthen the flywheel of Amazon’s ecosystem – each device adding to the strength of Alexa and the growing range of increasingly interconnected home devices," said Martin Garner, a senior vice president at CCS Insight.

However, some commentators have mentioned the security implications of installing a such a system.

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"My understanding is there's an awful lot of work being done to make connected locks secure," Ben Wood, also from CCS Insight, told the BBC .

"But it would only take a few incidents to stop this dead in the water - people wouldn't want to have something on their front door if they felt it wasn't secure."

At the moment, Amazon Key is only available in 37 cities in the US. However, as with its Echo speakers, it could be rolled out to other locations - including the UK - if it proves successful.

Technology retailer Maplin says its new Smart Meter survey found that 24% of UK homes now featured a smart home device, with smart plugs that can remotely switch off power identified as the current most popular product.

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The rise of artificial intelligence-powered, voice-controlled smart hubs such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home has propelled smart home technology into the mainstream in the last year, with 38% of those surveyed revealing they planned to buy a hub in the next six months.

According to Maplin, smart home device sales are up 135% on last year, with consumers who did buy a device spending on average £174 each on the technology in the last 12 months.

Chief executive Oliver Meakin said: "The Smart Home market is growing at an astonishing rate as consumers seek more connected homes.

"The convenience and peace of mind these products offer is proving popular. With Silicon Valley's tech giants launching competing entertainment products before the end of the year, smart hubs look set to become Christmas 2017's must-have tech gifts.